To reinforce some of the recommendations here:
I recently upgraded from a Sanyo Z5 to an Epson Home Cinema 1080UB. Significant step up in PQ and I really appreciate the flexibility that the increased brightness provides. Although I have a totally light controlled HT there are times (sports, etc.) when being able to watch with the lights on is nice. I bought both projectors from Quebec Acoustics (Canadian warranty and very competitive). I am using a 110” Carada BW 16:9 screen.